More surveillance on the packaged drinking water units in Chennai
Posted on: 22/Apr/2022 9:47:27 AM
For the sake of supplying safe and clean drinking water to the residents, BIS or Bureau of Indian Standards has increased the surveillance on the packaged drinking water sector in this year.
It is now mentioned that BIS has intensified the surveillance and had increased the number of samples lifted to 374 in Chennai and the neighbouring districts. When compared to 2018-19, this is more than twice the figure. Lots of efforts have been taken to ensure high quality drinking water supply. Three has been a decrease in the 25 litre bubble top cans now and this was complained by some sellers.
It was brought out by some BIS officers that there were plans regarding increasing the lifting of market and factory samples in the first half of the fiscal year. BIS is hoping to cover all the 361 certified units in TN atleast two times a year. The sensational information is that out of samples tested nearly 62 failed to pass muster in 2021.The testing has been increased and now the samples that failed to pass muster has also become more now. Point to be noted is that with respect to parameters of yeast and mould and microbial count, the samples failed the tests.
Currently, most of the units now use ISI marked containers for packaged drinking water now and there is not much contamination from those mentioned above. It was highlighted by some BIS officers that the consumers must check for the containers that are 85% opaque. Shelf life of the packaged drinking water must be checked compulsorily. Packaged drinking water units must have hygienic conditions and they must frequently change the filters and membranes etc.
It was surprising to note that 6 packaged drinking water units licences were cancelled in 2021 due to the ISI mark misuse. Now, BIS has been approached by the manufacturers to change yeast, mold and aerobic microbial count from critical to non-critical parameters.
Information is that the members of Greater Tamil Nadu Packaged Drinking Water Manufacturers Association claimed that the parameters were non-hazardous. .Truth is that the packaged drinking water industry has been struggling to revive after Coronaviys pandemic period.
